71% of Americans oppose local AI data centers — more than oppose nuclear plants
DavidLinthicum · x · 2026-09-17
A cited poll shows 71% of Americans oppose building AI data centers in their local area, with 48% strongly opposed—higher opposition than nuclear power plants attract.
The author argues the industry lost the PR war through arrogance: tech companies showed up in small towns with glossy renderings and "innovation" promises, dismissed legitimate concerns about water, grid strain, and rising electricity bills as NIMBY whining, hyped AGI and job displacement breathlessly, and treated the public as an obstacle rather than a stakeholder.
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